India celebrates its 62nd Republic Day

The country's vibrant cultural heritage, its impressive achievements and military might are on a majestic display today as India celebrates its 62nd Republic Day.

Celebration of India's sovereignty amidst the colours of life is what Republic Day celebrations are all about.

The patriotic fervour of people on this day brings the whole country together even in all Her diversity.

This picture gallery throws light on the Republic Day festivities and brings out India's myriad cultures and traditions to the fore.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, chief guest for India's 62nd Republic Day celebrations, Indian President Pratibha Singh Patel and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrive for the celebrations.(Associated Press)

The Army showcases its impressive armoury before the nation on the Republic Day.(Associated Press)

Showcasing its weapon manufacturing capabilities, DRDO rolled-out the trainer version of the indigenously designed and developed Light Combat Aircraft 'Tejas' during the Republic Day celebrations.

An Indian army soldier salutes beside a Pinaka multiple rocket launcher at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi.(Associated Press)

People watch Indian army tanks roll out during the Republic Day parade.(Associated Press)

Indian military servicemen perform stunts on motorcycles near India Gate during the Parade. (Associated Press)

Indian paramilitary soldiers march down Rajpath during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. (AFP Photo)

Indian army soldiers march during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi.(AFP Photo)

An Indian navy contingent marches past at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi.(Associated Press)

Indian paramilitary soldiers march during the Republic Day parade. (AFP Photo)

Indian army soldiers of Sikh Light Infantry Regiment march during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi.(Associated Press)

Indian soldiers parade between the Presidential palace and India Gate. The synchronised military and police contingents led by General Officer Commanding (Delhi) Maj Gen Manvendra Singh marched proudly to the lilting tunes of bands through the Rajpath where President and Supreme Commander of Armed Forces Pratibha Patil took the salute. (AFP Photo)

Indian air force Su-30 MKI aircrafts execute a vertical formation during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. (Associated Press)

Mi-17 helicopters shower flower petals before the start of the Republic Day parade. (Associated Press)

Showcasing its air power, Army's conducted a flypast of three advanced light helicopters Dhruv in arrowhead formation.(PTI)

A model of a plane at DRDO tableaux on display during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) brought the Active Phased Array Radar, which is a shipborne multi-function radar, and Naval Underwater Weapon System at the parade for the first time along with the trainer version of Light Combat Aircraft Tejas.(PTI)

A float holding a sculpture of the Lotus Temple monument representing the National Capital rolls past. (AFP Photo)

Gujarat's offering was the Buddhist heritage in the state and it had a replica of 4th century Buddha statue found in Devni Mori, a stone edict of King Ashoka and Chinese
traveller Hiuen Tsang. (Associated Press)

A floral tableau by Central Public Works Department depicts the theme "Save Tigers" during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. (Associated Press)

Folk dancers perform alongside a tableau from Maharashtra state at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. Maharashtra came with the enthralling Lawani dancers on a float modelled on a bullock cart.(Associated Press)

Agriculture Ministry tableau on display during Republic Day parade. The Agriculture Ministry displayed modern farming techniques which do not compromise with the sustainability factor.(PTI)

Tripura tableau on display during Republic Day parade at Rajpath. Tripura gave a
glimpse of Kharchi or the worship of earth, a festival on community harmony and integration during which 14 tribal Gods are worshipped to acquire universality.(PTI)

Artists perform at Assam tableau on display during Republic Day parade at Rajpath.
Assam's tableau had Ankiya Nat or Bhaona having a scene from Bhagavata Purana
on Bhakt Prahlad.(PTI)

Health and Family Welfare Ministry tableau on display during Republic Day parade at Rajpath in New Delhi. Adopting a healthy lifestyle was the Health Ministry's
theme. (PTI)

A creative representation of two dance forms is what Kerala brought to Delhi by blending the majestic paraphernalia of Kathakali and the simple beauty of Mohiniattom in a "Pakarnattam".(PTI)

The tableau on 'Gurudev' by the Culture Ministry and Sangeet Natak Akademi was the first to be rolled out among the cultural displays from states and ministries. A huge copper-coloured bust of Tagore formed the foreground of the tableau with the Vishwa-Bharati University founded by him in Shantiniketan in the backdrop as well as the depiction of a meeting Mahatma Gandhi had with the poet laureate. There was also a big replica of the Nobel medallion awarded to the poet in 1913.(PTI)

Panchayati Raj Ministry tableau on display during Republic Day parade.Panchayati Raj Ministry came up with the idea of an active gram sabha for empowered people and accountable panchayats.(PTI)

CSIR tableau on display during Republic Day parade at Rajpath in New Delhi.The Science and Technology Ministry's tableau -- From Generic to Genome -- depicted the efforts of country's premier research organisation Council of Scientific and Industrial
Research (CSIR) to develop new drugs and ensure affordable health care.(PTI)

School children perform a Punjabi folk dance Bhangra at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. (Associated Press)

Children honoured with National Bravery Awards wave at spectators during the Republic Day parade at Rajpath in New Delhi. 21 young brave hearts who won the national bravery awards drove through the Rajpath in gypsies to a huge applause. (PTI)

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, centre, greets the crowd as he walks back with Indian leaders after the completion of the Republic Day parade. (Associated Press)

Amongst the spectators of the parade are a number of children-- who are mesmerised by the vibrant and spectacular display of the heterogeneity of the Indian culture.